Planning appeal decision
Garfunkels, The Empire Orange Grove, Bath, BA1 1LP
Planning appeal 3301464 at Garfunkels, The Empire Orange Grove, Bath, BA1 1LP (Bath and North East Somerset Council) was allowed in part (a split decision) on 5 June 2023 by Inspector Evans J, by written representations. The main issue, as the Inspector framed it: The effect of the works on public amenity, having regard to whether the works would preserve the special architectural or historic interest of a listed building, and whether they would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Bath Conservation Area.
1 set of externally illuminated text to front elevation, 2 sets of non illuminated sign written text to entrance canopy, 1 externally illuminated post mounted sign
- Authority
- Bath and North East Somerset Council
- Appeal type
- advert · Advertisement Appeal
- Procedure
- Written Representations
- Development
- advertisement · Other minor developments
- Inspector
- Evans J
- Postcode
- BA1 1LP
Main issues, as the Inspector framed them
- The effect of the works on public amenity, having regard to whether the works would preserve the special architectural or historic interest of a listed building, and whether they would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Bath Conservation Area
What decided it
The externally illuminated sign's stark colour contrast, reflective materials, prominent positioning, and conspicuous lighting strip would cause unacceptable harm to the listed building's significance and the conservation area's character that cannot be outweighed by claimed commercial benefits.
What the Inspector cited
- Development plan policies
- Policy HE1Policy D9
- National Planning Policy Framework
- Paragraph 56
How the Inspector dealt with each one is set out in the app, in order: the development plan, national policy, housing land supply, other considerations and the planning balance, beside the letter.
See how each was appliedThe decision letter
Town Planner Pro holds this letter. The Appeals plan opens it and every other letter we hold, all of them searchable, with the main issues and what decided each case picked out. We do not show letters on the free site because they carry people’s names and addresses.
With an account
What an account adds to this decision


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The main issues, what decided it, the planning balance and the policies and judgments listed as cited are read from the published letter by Town Planner Pro and are our summary, not the Inspector’s words; the letter itself is the record. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Research, not advice.
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